Acceptable And Safe Ways To Vent

Everyone experiences the emotion anger from time to time. It is a natural part of life. Anger has an acceptable place in our life. It can propel us to take action when we are faced with danger. What changes anger into something that is unacceptable? Anger becomes unacceptable when we express it in ways that causes injury to others or self, or when we destroy property when we are angry. How can we express how we feel without hurting anyone, or anything?

One way is to keep an "anger journal". No one has to see it, so you can vent all you want. You can write anything at all about what makes you angry. You do not need to fear that anyone will judge you, or criticize what you have written. You have a right to your feeling and you can express it anyway you want in the pages of your journal. If you chose to share your journal with someone, that is your choice. It can be kept private so that you can vent without fear of retribution for what is written in your journal. You can also share what you have written with someone who can help you solve what is making you angry.

If you need to express your anger in a physical way, you can find plenty of outlets to do this. One way is to use a punching bag or ball. Punching is a good physical way to exert energy. Doing something physical can make you feel good. It can even help to clear your mind. It is also good exercise. Some people jog when they are angry or upset. Just about any sport can be a good outlet for anger if done in a safe way. Dribbling a ball and shooting baskets can allow you to exert some energy and the bouncing ball can almost be hypnotic.

Some people like to get creative when they are angry; using canvas and paint to express how they feel. Others like to mold clay with their hands, punching and pressing and shaping makes them feel like they are doing something with their hands that is better than not doing anything at all.

Here are some other ways to express our anger that are more constructive to solving the problem that created the anger.

1. If appropriate use humor to try to defuse the situation

2. Share your feelings with someone you trust.

3. If you are able to, discuss the situation with the person involved using "I messages" that describe how you feel. Allow them to express how they feel too. Make sure that safe boundaries are set beforehand for the expressing of each other's feelings so that it is safe to do so.

Take a time out, to cool off, if necessary.

4. Do relaxation exercises to calm yourself. It is easier to think clearly when you are calm.

Safety is always a first consideration. If your anger is a response to danger, always get yourself and others to a safe location before trying to confront or solve the situation

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